Grape seed extract, a byproduct of wine and grape juice production, contains high levels of powerful proanthocyanidin antioxidants. These molecules protect against sun damage, improve your vision, contribute to the flexibility of your joints and strengthen your blood vessels. Grape seed extract also improves brain function and may guard against some central nervous system conditions.
Protein Deposits
Grape seed extract may protect your brain from degenerative effects that lead to Alzheimer's disease. It contains valuable flavonoid antioxidants that provide up to 50 times the antioxidant effects of vitamin C and 20 times the antioxidant benefits of vitamin E, according to Danial G. Amen, M.D., author of the book "Change Your Brain, Change Your Body." Grape seed extract inhibits by up to one-third protein deposits called amyloid plaques from accumulating in the brain.
Cognitive Decline
Polyphenol antioxidants in grape seed extract are likely to decrease your risk for Alzheimer's disease, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. A study on laboratory animals published in the June 2008 issue of the "Journal of Neuroscience" found that grape seed extract inhibits formation of proteins that lead to scar formation in the brain. Animals fed grape seed extract showed less brain and cognitive decline than those that did not receive the supplement. Appearance of these protein scar tissues is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Multiple Effects
A study published in the March 2007 issue of the journal "Pediatric Research" found that grape seed extract may protect against damage from brain injury. Researchers demonstrated that grape seed extract exerts antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits that protect the brain from harmful effects of temporary blood and oxygen deprivation. Grape seed extract also lowers body temperature, reduces inflammation and inhibits oxidation of lipids, which comprise about one-half of your brain tissue. Further human clinical trials are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.
Lipids
Grape seed extract forestalls the aging process by decreasing levels of oxidized lipids in your brain. The supplement also prevents damage to blood vessels, according to Marwan Saggagh, M.D., author of the book "The Alzheimer's Answer: Reduce Your Risk and Keep Your Brain Healthy." However, research on grape seed extract for dementia is limited, and no conclusive results support its benefits for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease. If you choose to supplement with grape seed extract, 50 mg per day is the recommended dose for antioxidant effects, and some health care professionals recommend doses of between 150 and 300 mg for specific therapeutic effects. Consult your nutritionally oriented health care professional for guidance and supervision when using grape seed extract.
References
- "Change Your Brain, Change Your Body: Use Your Brain to Get and Keep the Body ..."; Daniel G. Amen; 2010
- "Neuroscience Letters, Volumes 383-384"; Elsevier; 2005
- "The Alzheimer's Answer: Reduce Your Risk and Keep Your Brain Healthy"; Marwan Sabbagh; 2010
- "Journal of Neuroscience"; Grape-derived Polyphenolics Prevent Abeta Oligomerization and Attenuate Cognitive Deterioration in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease; J. Wang, et al.; June 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Grape Seed Extract May Help Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's; July 28, 2011
- "Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular, and Medical Aspects, Volume 1"; George J. Siegel; 2006
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